Justice News

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) today announced Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch’s appointment of MaryBeth Keller to the position of chief immigration judge. In this capacity, Judge Keller is responsible for overseeing the administration of EOIR’s 58 immigration courts across the United States.

“After a very careful selection process, I am pleased to announce EOIR’s next chief immigration judge,” said Director Juan P. Osuna. “Judge Keller’s 28 years of experience at EOIR provide her with an in-depth knowledge of the agency’s history and operations, which will greatly assist her in leading our immigration judge corps during this time of tremendous change, challenge, and opportunity for the Nation’s immigration court system.”

Biographical information follows.

MaryBeth Keller, Chief Immigration Judge

Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch appointed MaryBeth Keller as the chief immigration judge in September 2016. Immediately prior to her current position, and beginning in February 2008, Judge Keller served EOIR as the assistant chief immigration judge (ACIJ) for issues of judge conduct and professionalism. She also supervised courts and served as the agency representative and chief negotiator dealing with the National Association of Immigration Judges employee union. Judge Keller received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1984 from the Catholic University of America and a Juris Doctor in 1987 from the University of Virginia School of Law. From July 2004 to February 2008, Judge Keller served as general counsel at EOIR. During that time, from July 2006 to February 2008, she served as acting ACIJ for Conduct and Professionalism, and from October 2004 to April 2006, she served as acting chief administrative hearing officer. From 1988 to 2004, Judge Keller served as a senior manager and as an attorney at the Board of Immigration Appeals, EOIR. From 1987 to 1988, she served as a judicial law clerk in the 5th Judicial District of Iowa, in Des Moines, Iowa. Judge Keller is a member of the Iowa State Bar.